Government Contracts Accountant

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC•San Diego, CA

15h•$100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. is a small business government contractor providing maritime and ocean services, with operations in Hawaii, Guam, and California. The company supports federal customers on missions at sea and ashore. The Government Contracts Accountant focuses on government accounting and project control, overseeing financial aspects of government contracts and ensuring compliance. The role applies finance or accounting expertise and project management skills to support projects and initiatives. It requires an understanding of government contracting regulations and cost accounting principles, as well as proficiency with ERP systems used in government contracting. The wage range is $100,000–$120,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, paid time off, performance bonuses, and access to other benefit programs. Benefit eligibility is governed by the applicable corporate office plan at the employee’s date of hire.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, project management, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in government contracting finance or accounting roles.
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret project financial data and make strategic recommendations.
Proficiency in project management principles and practices, including project planning, scheduling, and risk management.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including VLOOKUP, queries/macros, and pivot tables.
In-depth knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and experience with Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) compliance in project financial management.
Hands-on experience with government contracting ERP systems such as JAMIS, Unanet, or Deltek.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with project teams and stakeholders.
Detail-oriented, with a commitment to accuracy and compliance.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and priority deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or professional certifications, such as CPA or PMP.

Responsibilities

Calculate and monitor indirect rates, including fringe, overhead, G&A, and provisional billing rates; perform rate variance analysis and year-end true-ups.
Prepare the annual Incurred Cost Submission using the ICE model and build cost support for forward pricing and proposal cost build-ups.
Apply FAR Part 31 cost principles and identify and segregate unallowable costs.
Pull data, prepare schedules, and draft responses for DCAA and DCMA audits, reviews, and data requests.
Write and update accounting policies and procedures as processes change.
Prepare contract briefs for new awards and modifications, capturing contract type, value, funding, CLINs, billing terms, and key clauses.
Set up contracts, projects, WBS structures, labor categories, and billing rates in the system.
Troubleshoot data issues and support system upgrades, integrations, and recovery work.
Prepare and review invoicing across FFP, T&M/LH, and cost-reimbursable contracts, including WAWF/PIEE submissions.
Produce contract profitability, funding, burn-rate, and EAC/ETC reporting for program managers and leadership.
Build and maintain financial models, budgets, forecasts, and dashboards in Excel and data-visualization tools.
Support revenue recognition under ASC 606.
Perform month-end and year-end close activities, account reconciliations, and journal entries.
Support accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and fixed assets as needed.
Prepare and submit monthly bank covenant compliance packages, ensuring accurate financial reporting and adherence to lending requirements.
Prepare and respond to requests from external auditors, tax preparers, and benefit plan administrators.
Spearhead automation projects.